Teaching Brazilian Sign Language in Higher Education Through Virtual Practices

Abstract

Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) is the main form of communication and cultural expression of Deaf people in Brazil. LIBRAS was established as the official sign language of the country in 2002, and in 2005, a new decree made it obligatory to offer LIBRAS courses in teacher training in all higher education institutions (Brasil, Decreto no 5.626 de 22 de dezembro de 2005, que regulamenta a Lei no 10.436, de 24 de abril de 2002, que dispõe sobre a Língua Brasileira de Sinais – LIBRAS, e o art. 18 da Lei no 10.098, de 19 de dezembro de 2000, 2005). Thus, this chapter discusses the use of virtual exercises in second language instruction as a valuable method for teaching and learning LIBRAS, as well as for improving the understanding of the linguistic and cultural characteristics of Deaf people. Four sets of virtual practices were created with different topics: (1) Introduction to LIBRAS; (2) Literacy and literary skills; (3) Linguistic and grammatical aspects; (4) Practice in sign language. These virtual methodologies were used by undergraduate students in qualitative research developed at a federal university in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, in 2014 and 2015. The application of virtual methodological practices proved to stimulate the interest of students in the training, both in the classroom and at distance. In addition, the interactions stimulated the discussion about the signs used in each virtual game. Considering the linguistic differences between LIBRAS and Portuguese, the virtual practices constituted a methodological tool to support students’ and teachers’ communication with Deaf students using their natural language about different areas of knowledge.